It’s always tough when key fantasy football players are on a bye. Unless you prepare for them properly, they can derail an otherwise productive week. Let’s take a look at the teams on a bye this week and how it might impact your lineup.

Even though Marshall hasn’t been able to find consistent chemistry with Chad Henne yet, he is still an elite option and his bye week undoubtedly leaves a gaping hole in your lineup. Eddie Royal seems to be Kyle Orton’s go-to receiver in the slot, which can churn out big dividends, especially in PPR fantasy football leagues.

With the Broncos running game nonexistent, they have been doing the majority of their damage through the air. He’s available in just about half of standard leagues, so there is a good chance he is out there for you to pluck off the fantasy football waiver wire.

Brady hasn’t put up his usual mind-blowing numbers thus far this year, but he’s still one of the top options at the position. Sam Bradford has burst onto the scene and made the Rams relevant once again. Bradford has been able to step right in and run the offense with the poise of a seasoned veteran. Since his mediocre three-interception effort in Week 1, he has settled right in and put up some very impressive numbers. With five touchdowns in the last three weeks, he could be in line for a big day against Detroit.

Key Player On A Bye: Rashard Mendenhall (Pitt)

Suitable Replacement: Ryan Torain (Wash)

Aside from a shaky performance in Week 2 against a stout Titans defense, Mendenhall has been a beast this year and his absence this week will surely be felt by his owners. With Clinton Portis more than likely to take a seat this week, Torain has shown he is ready to step in and handle the load.

Torain will certainly be a popular waiver claim this week, so the competition will be high. It would not be a shock to see him hold onto the starting gig for the remainder of the year. Buy now.

Key Player On A Bye: Lawrence Timmons (Pitt)

Suitable Replacement: James Anderson (Car)

For those of you in IDP leagues, this one is for you. Timmons has been an absolute monster this year, registering an outlandish 46 tackles in his first four contests. He is routinely counted on to put up huge numbers, so his loss will be a tough one for owners this week. James Anderson has also been highly active down in Carolina, playing alongside fellow tackle-monster Jon Beason. Anderson has racked up an impressive 45 tackles of his own and has contributed in other key areas as well. He has a sack, an interception, and even a forced fumble on the campaign, so he should be in line for another productive week.